Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Do you still have one of those behind the seat bags?

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Here are some updated pics of the truck. Cab goes to painter tomorrow. Also notice the speaker brackets mocked up!

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Also my truck originally had a maroon and orange two line pinstripe that followed the body lines. I have searched and searched and cant find an example. Anyone have pics? thinking of putting it back to break up the silver.

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Also, my dad called me today with a friend of his looking to get rid of a 03 tahoe with 175K miles on it with a strong running 5.3. i am thinking good donor for my 81?

Thoughts?

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Nice!

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Do it... I'm bringing home an 03 Avalanche tonight myself. I'm taking the motor and the black leather interior for my crew cab.

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

I think Phoenix Graphics may reproduce those stripes. IIRC, they were actually five stripes. Three of one color with two contrasting between.

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

I know which graphics you are referring to but mine weren't those. Mine were just two that followed the body lines of the stepside bed fenders and followed the edges of the doors and front fenders.

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

years ago my stock bed rails got lost in a move. I have two cross bed braces for the step bed. Should there be two more or do these models just have to and sit on frame?

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Well tahoe deal fell through...

BUT found a wrecked 2005 crew cab with a 5.3 and 4LE60 with 106K miles on it...Had to drive 5 hours to get it so made for a long saturday but it is SUPER clean. Bummer it hit a telephone pole in the rear. Axel was complete brok off so made for a fun time getting it on the trailer.

Engine and tranny will be going into the 81!

Was able to sell the interior complete to a friend so already got half my money back on the buy! Hopefully can sell the rest to breakeven.

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Next weekend I am going to pull the front clip and start the process on getting my parts list together. This is my first LS swap so no idea what i am doing haha But excited to try!

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Nice parts source. Did the thing start up and run?

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Yeah fired right up and sounded great!

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

That's good. Looking forward to your progress.

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

cool find!, it is going to be a huge benefit to have the whole vehicle... easier swap.

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Nice find!!

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Daaang! That was a clean truck!

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Interior is getting pulled on the donor truck Friday/Saturday, then front clip and doors Sunday.

Week after the harness will be pulled and I have a friend who is going to build the harness for me and send me my parts list to buy for the swap!

I am in high gear trying to get the 5.3 out and ready, my engine out of my 81 and engine bay cleaned up (truck is already at the painter).

Kicker...all before my baby boy comes ends of May hahah

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Question. I am wanting to use the ac from the donor truck. Can anyone tell me what i need from it and/or what to keep from my 81?

I have a guy interested in the heater box and AC parts on the inside of the cab and just not sure what is okay for him to take.

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

I would love to know the answer to that. I am pulling the drivetrain from an 03 Avalanche myself and have been pondering that. I don't know if the old controls will communicate with the newer stuff. It really should just send a signal to the clutch to turn it on. Then there is a high pressure and a low pressure switch. I would think they should all still work together , but I am not sure.

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

If you are on facebook search for LS swapped Square Body GM Trucks ('73-'86 C/K & '87-91). Be sure to go to the "files" section first. Great info !

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Got the donor truck stripped this weekend and motor/trans SO close to being out. Will have to unbolt the front cab mounts and lift the cab to allow the oil pan to clear the cross member. Trying not to take the intake off. Next weekend she will be free!

Not to posting used truck parts haha

Will update with pics later.

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Well, have sold about 70% of the truck and already made my money back so quick math tells you FREE 5.3 and 4LE60 with 106K miles. Not bad.

Is frustrating dealing with all the no shows.

Should finish getting the motor out this weekend and back to my house to clean up. Will be order shallow oil pan, headers, and mounts soon.

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Wow, that's pretty good. And I agree on the no show, that's a big pet peeve of mine:devil:

Re: 1981_c10 Step-Side
 

Hope every one is ready for lots of updates...will upload pics this weekend.

Truck is back from paint, engine and trans pulled....

also, i sold my 2012 ram daily and bought a 1988 k5 to daily. Best decision ever. Will start a new thread for it. Been working on it too.